Finance Analyst

Level 3 apprenticeship

Equip your employees with future-facing skills, including accounting knowledge and high capabilities in digital skills, enabling them to make impactful and transformative business decisions.

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Overview

Our Finance Analyst apprenticeship is designed to equip employees with the competencies needed for future success in finance. It focuses on developing strong foundational accounting knowledge combined with high capabilities in digital skills. Our aim is to empower apprentices to make better business decisions, understand current financial landscapes, and contribute to business transformation by supporting teams, implementing efficiencies, and providing insightful financial analysis.

Average duration

Up to 18 months, including assessment period

Ofsted rating

Good | View report

Key skills

This apprenticeship provides a valuable opportunity to gain practical skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace, helping you unlock the full potential of your data.

Data sourcing and analysis

Data communication and presentation

Regulatory compliance

Management accounting techniques

Financial accounting principles

Timetables

View our timetables for scheduled sessions to see when the next one is running.

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Who it's for

A data-centric finance analyst, specifically trained through the ACCA Finance Analyst apprenticeship, supports wider teams and implements efficiencies through insightful financial analysis. This apprenticeship is ideal for:

New starters looking for an alternative to traditional routes into accountancy
Existing employees taking on a more data-centric role within a finance function

How your organisation benefits

This programme is uniquely designed to develop practical, applied data skills alongside core finance knowledge.

At the end of the apprenticeship, your apprentice will be able to:

Analyse financial data to support business planning and decision-making
Prepare and interpret financial reports, budgets, and forecasts
Apply accounting principles and financial controls to ensure accuracy and compliance
Identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities to support organisational performance
Communicate financial information and recommendations to a range of stakeholders
Use digital tools and financial systems to analyse and manage data effectively
Support business performance through evidence-based financial analysis
Work collaboratively across teams while maintaining professional and ethical standards

Eligibility

Anyone can complete this apprenticeship, regardless of age or previous qualifications. Kaplan will confirm that the role is suitable as part of the application process.

Applicants must:

Be employed in England.
Work in a relevant job role.
Learn new knowledge and skills through the programme.

Typically, apprentices will have one of the following:

A GCSE or another Level 2 qualification.
12 months' work experience within the last 24 months if they don't already hold a Level 3 qualification.

Functional skills

Employers may also require apprentices to have a grade 4/C (or equivalent) in GCSE maths and English. If an apprentice doesn't already have these qualifications, Kaplan provides free resources and support to help them achieve the required standard by the end of the apprenticeship.

Learner milestones

This overview outlines the key technical modules and project milestones based on the ACCA Finance Analyst programme, excluding the supplementary on-demand skills elements.

Months 1-3

Foundations in Data

With a focus on building core data understanding, months one to three develop a solid grounding in essential data principles, leading to the Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate certification.

Key skills:

Fundamentals of creating and managing worksheets and workbooks.
Creating cells and ranges, creating tables, applying formulas and functions.
Creating charts and objects in Excel.

Months 3-6

Data in Action and Business Acumen

Building on foundational skills, these months focus on understanding how data operates within an organisation and the broader business context, including an introduction to Generative AI.

Generative AI course

Keep your teams at the forefront of technological advancement. Explore how AI can drive creativity and efficiency across business functions. View course

Key skills:

Understanding how data is used in an organisation.
How to work in a data-driven culture.
Making data-driven decisions.
Understanding Generative AI and its use cases for a data-driven role.
Understanding how businesses operate effectively, efficiently, and ethically.
Understanding business in the context of its environment, including economic, legal, and regulatory influences.
ACCA pathway: Business and Technology principles
AAT pathway: Financial Accounting - Preparing Financial Statements.
CIMA pathway: Fundamentals of Business Economics.
Achieve the GenAIBIZ Microcredential.

Months 6-9

Data Analysis and Management Accounting

Dive into practical data analysis and visualisation techniques, coupled with essential management accounting skills to support business performance.

Key skills:

How to perform data analysis fundamentals.
Analysing data with pivot tables.
Transforming and reporting data.
Data Visualisation using Excel.
Identifying data trends and using this to inform decision-making.
Develop management accounting techniques to help support businesses to plan, control and monitor performance.
ACCA pathway: Financial Accounting principles.
ATT pathway: Tax Processes for Businesses.
CIMA pathway: Fundamentals of Management Accounting.
Achieve the Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate Certification.

Months 9-12

Database Fundamentals

The focus shifts to understanding and interacting with databases, a crucial skill for any data professional.

Key skills:

Querying Data from Databases.
Getting data from various sources.
CIMA pathway: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting.

Months 12-15

Data Professional and EPA Readiness

The final phase brings all learning together, focusing on practical application, advanced financial understanding, and comprehensive preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA).

Key skills:

Confidence across the Data Lifecycle.
ACCA pathway: Management Accounting principles.
ATT pathway: Accounting Techniques.
CIMA pathway: Fundamentals of Ethics, Governance and Law.
Preparation and interpretation of basic financial statements.
Demonstrating overall competence as a Data Professional.
Consolidating skills and knowledge for the End Point Assessment (EPA).

At a glance

Finance Analyst

Level 3 apprenticeship

Pathways: ACCA, AAT, CIMA

Funding options

Levy payer

Fully-funded

Non levy payer

95% government funded

Next steps

Looking to train future digital talent? Book a consultation with our expert Kaplan team.

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Unrivalled support

Our apprenticeships are uniquely designed to offer unparalleled support for both employers and learners. We provide expert-led, practical training and simulations that build transferable digital skills and instill a growth mindset - essential for effectively leveraging technology.

Support for employers

Clients benefit from comprehensive support to foster trust and collaboration, ensuring a successful apprenticeship experience.

Dedicated supportNamed client solutions contact and sector expert tutors ensure personalised guidance and relevant training throughout the apprenticeship journey.
Seamless onboardingTransparent application process, recruitment assistance for new vacancies, and clear visibility for line managers via learner portfolio dashboards.
Work-integrated learningApprentices apply skills directly to your organisation, supported by timely, accurate tracking and real-world experience.

Support for apprentices

Apprentices receive robust support, ensuring they have access to the information and resources needed to succeed in their roles.

Comprehensive supportRegular 1:1s with an industry-experienced Talent Coach, tutor access via email, and year-round Student Services support ensures consistent guidance.
Collaborative progress trackingApprenticeship ePortfolio allows for real-time tracking, evidence uploads, communication with coaches, and peer-to-peer learning within a small industry cohort.
Practical and applied learningInteractive lab environments and work-based projects enable apprentices to contextualise and apply skills directly in the workplace.

Why choose Kaplan?

Unique programme design

This programme uniquely combines essential data skills with core accountancy knowledge.

High-demand tools

Training in data analysis, Excel, databases, and literacy equips apprentices to handle financial data in modern finance roles.

Immersive, hands-on learning

Small, interactive classes support personalised learning, with simulated labs to build and test practical analysis skills.

Confident, capable employees

100% of ACCA Finance Analyst apprentices report increased confidence applying their skills in the workplace*.

* Data taken from Q1 2025 post-apprenticeship and career progression report.

Hear from our apprentices

My talent coach’s dedication to my growth and development has been invaluable, and I’m fortunate to have her on this journey.

Chloe Auger

Level 3 ICT apprentice at C.I.KNOW

View case study

An apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity if you want to change fields or progress to a different area in your career.

Monika Wojdasova

Level 3 Data User apprentice at Harris Federation

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Co-created with leaders in their field

Our commitment to excellence is evident in our strategic alliances with best-in-class key partners, bringing decades of leadership and specialist knowledge to every programme. This expertise underpins our rich content and immersive learning labs, driving tangible results.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ACCA Finance Analyst Level 3 apprenticeship?

It is a programme designed to equip employees with foundational accounting knowledge combined with high capabilities in digital skills. The aim is to empower them to make impactful business decisions and provide insightful financial analysis.

How long does the ACCA Finance Analyst apprenticeship take?

The duration is up to 15 months, plus a three-month assessment period.

What are the entry requirements for this apprenticeship?

Entrants typically have a GCSE or Level 2 qualification, or 12 months of work experience if they lack other Level 3 qualifications. Employers may also require GCSE Grade 4/C in maths and English.

What skills will I learn during the apprenticeship?

Learners gain skills in data sourcing and analysis, management accounting techniques, and financial accounting principles. They also master digital tools such as Excel for data visualisation and databases for querying data.

What roles is this apprenticeship suitable for?

How is the apprenticeship funded?

The apprenticeship is funded via the apprenticeship levy for levy-paying employers, or is 95% government-funded for non-levy payers.

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